Enphase Energy Solar Panel Lawsuit Alleges Fire Followed Repeated Failed Safety Inspections

Lawsuit claims defective solar system caused more than $746,000 in property damage, including a fire and additional losses from frozen water pipes.

A Georgia couple has filed a product liability lawsuit against Enphase Energy and ADT Solar, alleging a defective rooftop solar system and improper installation caused an electrical fire that destroyed their home.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Isaac L. Shubert, Jr. and Navarsha L. Shubert in the Superior Court of Pulaski County, Georgia on October 2, naming ADT Solar LLC, doing business as Sunpro Solar, Sunpro Solar LLC, ADT Inc., Enphase Energy Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, National Association as defendants. The case was removed to the U.S District Court for the Middle District of Georgia on November 9.

The Shuberts claim that the solar system incorporated defective Enphase Energy microinverters and battery storage equipment, while ADT Solar improperly installed the components in violation of electrical safety requirements, ultimately causing a house fire.

Solar Panel Dangers

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by inverters for use in homes and businesses. Residential systems may also incorporate battery storage equipment that allows homeowners to store excess electricity for later use.

Although solar panels are generally considered safe when properly installed and maintained, defective components, improper wiring and faulty installation can create electrical hazards that increase the risk of fires, electric shocks and property damage. Problems involving damaged wiring, loose electrical connections, malfunctioning inverters and overheating components can potentially cause electrical arcing or ignition.

Solar battery storage systems may present additional dangers, particularly when batteries experience internal failures, overheating or thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can cause them to release flammable gases, ignite or explode. Such incidents can produce intense heat and toxic smoke, potentially allowing fires to spread rapidly through a home.

Solar Panel Fire Allegations

According to the complaint, the Shuberts contracted with Sunpro Solar in January 2022 to install an $84,485 rooftop solar system at their Hawkinsville, Georgia, home. The system included 34 LG solar panels, Enphase Energy microinverters and an Enphase Encharge battery storage system, financed through a 25-year loan.

The Shuberts allege Sunpro failed to follow manufacturer instructions and National Electrical Code requirements during installation. The system reportedly failed multiple inspections by the City of Hawkinsville and Georgia Power, requiring repeated corrections before it was approved for operation.

On November 23, 2022, less than nine months after Sunpro certified the installation as complete, an electrical fire allegedly originated in the solar system and spread through the home, leaving it uninhabitable. A third-party assessment conducted for the couple’s homeowners insurance claim reportedly attributed the fire to improper installation.

The complaint identifies several potential defects, including loose wiring, inadequate overcurrent protection, improper grounding and faulty electrical connections. The Shuberts also allege Enphase Energy’s microinverters and battery storage equipment contained design or manufacturing defects and lacked adequate warnings, although further forensic testing is needed to identify the precise failures.

Approximately three weeks after the fire, on December 15, the home’s water pipes froze and burst while the residence remained without electricity or heat, causing extensive additional damage to the plumbing, flooring, cabinetry and other interior components.

The Shuberts estimate the fire caused more than $636,000 in damage to their home and other structures, with the subsequent flooding adding nearly $110,000. Their combined property losses exceed $746,000, excluding destroyed solar equipment, personal belongings and other expenses.

The lawsuit further alleges Sunpro failed to honor its 25-year workmanship warranty, leaving the couple responsible for rebuilding costs beyond their insurance coverage. As a result, they claim they were forced to borrow another $60,000 in July 2024 at an interest rate exceeding 17.5%, while continuing to make payments on the original loan for the destroyed solar system.

“Sunpro’s breaches were the direct and proximate cause of the fire, of the resulting damage to the Property and its contents, of the consequential freeze loss, of the destruction of the System, and of every other item of damage alleged herein.”

— Isaac L. Shubert Jr. et al. v. ADT Solar LLC, et al.

The complaint raises numerous allegations against the defendants, including negligence, defective product design and manufacturing, failure to warn, breach of contract and warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and violations of Georgia consumer protection laws.

It seeks compensation for the Shuberts’ property damage, rebuilding expenses, lost electricity production, additional financing costs and other losses. The couple is also asking the court to cancel the remaining solar loan obligation, terminate the associated security interest and award punitive damages and attorney’s fees.

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